Replace those light bulbs. Switch your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL’s use about 75% less energy that a conventional incandescent bulb.

Use less paper. About 4 billion trees are cut down each year to satisfy the world’s paper needs. Print only what’s necessary from your computer. View your favorite magazine or newspaper online. Roughly 90 percent of all magazines are discarded within a year and only about 44 percent are recycled.

Use reusable shopping bags. They cost as little as $1, and prevent used plastic and paper bags from ending up in landfills.

Think reusable. Reduce waste and stop thinking of things as disposable. Use a coffee mug at work. Use washable food containers instead of plastic bags. Put filtered water from home in a reusable water bottle instead of buying cases of bottled water.

Turn off the lights and seldom-used electronics. Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. Use timers for your exterior lights so they aren’t on all day long. Unplug those electronics that are used rarely like that old VCR sitting below your TV. Unplug small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and air dryers. They all use a little energy, even when they are off.

Conserve Water. In order to ensure adequate water resources for our future needs, we must put conservation measures into effect now. Turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth. Only run full loads through your dishwasher and washing machine. Install flow restrictors on showerheads.

Buy local and organic. Today, the average fruit or vegetable travels 500 miles before it hits the local supermarket, which requires large amounts of fuel. Buy local, support your community and save resources.

Share the ride. Carpool or take transit, just doing this a couple days a week can make a difference. Saves gas, and wear-and-tear on your car.

As your new home ages, check for weatherproofing your doors and windows. Air leaking around your windows and doors causes your furnace to run longer and use more energy. Check the weather-stripping and caulk around your house to save up to 10 percent on your energy bill.

Regulate the thermostat. Heating and cooling is a large portion of one’s utility budget and energy use. Use a programmable thermostat that prevents the house from being unnecessarily heated while you’re away or overnight while you’re sleeping. Turn down the water heater thermostat when you leave for vacation.